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Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse

F Yellow🇵🇦Cristóbal, PAOperational

Location & Light Range

About Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse

The Atlantic Entrance Range Middle lighthouse, built in 1914, is a concrete tower standing 23 meters tall with a focal height of 26 meters. It is located about 100 meters east of the Panama Canal, near the southbound entrance to the Gatún Locks. This light serves vessels approaching the locks from the Atlantic Ocean, guiding them towards the Pacific. Positioned between the older and newer canal locks, it aids ships bound for either. The structure features a lantern and gallery, and emits a continuous yellow light.

Why it matters: This range light is essential for safely guiding southbound ships approaching the Gatún Locks from the Atlantic, ensuring correct alignment within the narrow waterway.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Yellow
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Yellow
Raw Code
F Y
Focal Height
26m
Geographic Range
14.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1914

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cristobal(4.0 km)
Admiralty No.
J6094.21
ARLHS No.
PAN-017

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Cristóbal
Country
🇵🇦Panama
Region
Colón
Sea Region
Located about 100 m east of the Canal near the southbound entrance to the Gatún Locks, facing southbound (Pacific-bound) ships approaching the Gatún Locks from the Atlantic side. These range lights are east of the original canal and west of the new locks, serving vessels bound for both sets of locks.
Latitude
9.2820°
Longitude
-79.9194°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse at night?+
Atlantic Entrance Range Middle displays the characteristic F Yellow. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The yellow color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Cristóbal at 3.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include Manzanillo (5.1 NM NNE), Colón (5.9 NM NNE), Las Minas (8.3 NM NE), Bahía Las Minas (9 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse?+
Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse is located within the Panama Canal approach — the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Atlantic Entrance Range Middle Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.